In the blink of an eye, dawn breaks on another new year. OK, it didn’t seem like the blink of an eye — far from it. There is so much that seems out of control. As a coping strategy, I try to focus on things I can control. And things that will make my corner of the world safer and healthier.
It’s winter. While I cannot control when it snows or how much, I can control the amount of salt I use around my home. It’s not as simple as tossing it on the ground and forgetting about it.
Salt is a helpful tool to stay safer during a Wisconsin winter. It can also damage concrete as well as the soil and plants it comes into contact with. As snow and ice melt, much of this lingering salt washes into our natural waterways, also causing harm there.
When temps go lower than 15 degrees, salt does not work. Sand is a better option in this case. Removing as much snow and ice from walkways as possible before salting leads to the need for less salt. One coffee mug of salt is enough to cover a 20-foot driveway or 10 sidewalk squares.
There is much more detailed information on the Public Health website, including videos and links to the Winter Salt Certification Program and Salt Wise. (publichealthmdc.com/blog/2025-11-24/be-salt-wise-this-winter-with-these-tips)
Educating yourself about winter salt use will help protect our community and our natural resources. Stay warm.
Please feel free to contact me with any concerns or issues. I am happy to help. I can be reached at 608-335-6827 or ritt.michele@countyofdane.com.
